A Portuguese Thanksgiving Complete with Port Cranberry Sauce

For the past two years, I haven’t been able to return home for Thanksgiving. It was difficult enough that I couldn’t share the experience with my family, but adding to my despair, Thanksgiving doesn’t exist in Portugal. Well, that is until now. I decided with gusto last year, that I was going to have Thanksgiving one way or the other, even if I had to cook the whole meal myself. So I started telling some friends about the holiday, and it’s amazing food culture, suggesting that they might be interested in sharing in this holiday with me. Many Portuguese have hardly ever heard about Thanksgiving, but from the delicious displays they’ve gawked at in movies, they gladly accepted the invitation to dinner. Before I knew it, I was faced with preparing my first Thanksgiving dinner for 12 in my tiny little apartment with an even tinier kitchen! And when I say tiny, I mean that my kitchen was undoubtedly built for a Hobbit.

Thankfully, with my professional culinary training, I was confident that I could pull this off without a problem; until I went to my local supermarket and realized that the basic Thanksgiving ingredients were nonexistent. TakeÂ cranberries, for example. Not only are they lacking in Portugal, but there is no official name in Portuguese! Invented names ranged from Uva dos Montes “Grape of the Hillsâ€ and Mirtilos Vermelhos “Red Blueberriesâ€. Try using these random words to describe what cranberries are to a supermarket employee here! Trust me, I’ve received plenty of strange looks. When deciding to make both a pecan pie and pumpkin pie, I came to the harsh realization that pecans are also unheard of, as well as the corn syrup used in the mix. I again had the same experience trying to explain what a pecan was and why would I ever want to eat syrup made from corn. Supermarkets began to post my picture on the front window as the eccentric neighborhood lady who “invents” words for food items.

At my wits end, I finally had a revelation, El Corte Ingles supermarket: the expatriates dream supermarket containing almost every random ingredient from every country in the world. The downside is that a small bag of pecans ran me 6 euros and approximately 8 euros for a small bottle of corn syrup, which was sold in their gourmet store of all places! Since when was corn syrup ever gourmet?? As for the cranberries, I was lucky to come across dried ones. Fresh cranberries were absolutely out of the question, and I don’t even think you’ll come across the good ol’ canned cranberry sauce, which I admittedly adore so much. Hence, dried would just have to do in a pinch.

My Thanksgiving dinner in Portugal was proving to be rather challenging, much like McGyver must had felt using a matchstick, a doorknob and a can of spam to open a bank safe. But I had faith. I had managed to find all of my “gourmetâ€ dessert ingredients, but I lacked the convenient help of measuring cups. Much to my surprise, I was comfortable approximating a cup or a tablespoon, and avoided imminent disaster to produce some tasty Thanksgiving pies for dessert. My first ever pumpkin pie had to be made from fresh pumpkin, since canned pumpkin definitely didn’t exist here and even the typical pumpkin used in Portuguese cooking is a variety of squash and is better for soups. I lucked out, however, and found a small, “jack-o-lanternâ€ pumpkin leftover from the very small Halloween sale at my local supermarket. And for the record, Halloween is another “borrowed” holiday and doesn’t exist in Portugal.

With the pies aside, I slowly discovered some of the rare advantages in making Thanksgiving dinner in Portugal. How many of you are able to get a whole, fresh turkey that was killed and cleaned the night before you bought it? With an open market just down the street from me, I was able to pick it up still warm. And how many of you can make a classical chestnut stuffing? I certainly could with all the street vendors around selling fire-roasted chestnuts during this time of the year! I threw a bags worth of piping hot chestnuts into my stuffing, which also contained: a loaf of crusty, fresh Portuguese bread and some smoky, house-made chouriço from the local butcher. I also had the opportunity to add fresh wild mushrooms and leeks, both of which are grown locally as well. In short, this was an incredible stuffing! As for the cranberry sauce, I decided to do a cranberry-apple sauce cooked down in what else but Port! Which of course I had plenty to choose from here but I decided on a simple ruby port from Ferreira. Don’t forget I also had the pleasure of exploring all the Portuguese wines to find what paired well with Thanksgiving dinner (that will have to be another post!).

But the best part of all, was having my Portuguese friends all gathered in my tiny living room, curious and fascinated as I brough out numerous dishes onto the table (buffet style). The biggest question was, “Andrea, what’s that?” Followed by, “I don’t know what this is either, but it looks and smells so good!â€ When everything was out and ready, I held a toast. I shared a short, traditional explanation of the holiday, as many had assumed it was part of Christmas. I further explained the special types of food we eat as a culture, and how each family prepares them differently. Most importantly, I thanked them for coming to share a holiday that is so very special; and that if I couldn’t be with my family, I was honored to share the evening with them.

The dinner was fantastic. So much so that they asked for an encore the following year, which I humbly accepted. After two very successful Thanksgiving dinners in Portugal, I think I’ve started a new tradition and maybe another holiday to add onto their calendar.

To My Portuguese Buddies, I Am Thankful For Having Them Make Me Feel At Home Away From Home!

Contact Us Now!

This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class.
Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine.
The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino!
We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired.
Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all!
Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.

Penedes Wine Tour

About Andrea Smith

Andrea moved to Campo de Ourique, Lisbon, in early 2008 with a dream to work and learn more about Portuguese wine. Born in Northern Virginia in 1983, Andrea's Italian family taught her the importance of pairing fresh food with great wine, eventually motivating her to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where she earned an Associates and Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts and Business Management, as well as her Introductory Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2004. Andrea uses her love of culture, gastronomy and language to research the hidden recipes and wines of Portugal.

Facebook Reviews

Recently back from a Fall Harvest Wine & Food Tour in northern Portugal. Ryan and his team of angels of Catavino created an absolute exceptional itinerary for our group of 10 from Minnesota. From our first winery visit to grape stomping to our splendid view from our hotel in the Douro Valley, the Catavino team left no details behind. We were treated like esteemed guests everywhere we went and even treated like family is more like it! I'm going through withdrawal and plan to go back with the whole family in the near future. One of our guests summed it up like this during one of our lunches, "Patti, I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. Just when I think I had the best day ever, the next day is even better!"
I highly recommend anyone, whether it's the two of you or a group, to look no further than Ryan and Catavino who will customize and personalize an itinerary that will surprise and delight you beyond your wildest dreams. Amen

This was our second trip to Portugal. Catavino tweaked the itinerary to complement what we had done before. We would go back again!
The personal treatment we received from winery owners, restaurant owners, shop keepers was like no other trip we have ever taken.
5 stars- Catavino knows Portugal's wine country like no other!

A week like no other. Catavino designed an amazing tour for our private group. Ryan Opaz's personal relationship with so many in the wine/food industry allows for intimate experiences everywhere we went, unlike anything we have experienced before. Lisbon, the Duoro, Porto...all were fascinating. Catavino can design trips of any length and scope to suit your criteria. Obrigada!

Catavino is Ryan Opaz. But Ryan Opaz is not all of Catavino. There is a team behind the scenes. He is a Renaissance man with a great knowledge of food, wine and culture.
We enjoyed three days with Ryan as he guided us through the Douro Valley and the ancient town of Porto. Although Ryan has a huge database of facts in his brain, he is also a treasure house of stories. You will discover the “real” Douro and Porto, not the tourist version.
Ryan is always greeted like an old friend everywhere you go because he has a vast network of relationships. You will not get a stock tour: you will get an experience tailored to your interests and tastes.
Ryan will take you to places you cannot enter as a tourist on your own. The guides in the Quintas and Port Houses learn from Ryan, not the other way around.
American? Yes. Portuguese? Yes. Ryan lives in both cultures but is completely a “native” son of Portugal.
Recommended for the wine enthusiast and professional, and for small groups. You must get to know Catavino.

What an amazing trip with a fantastic group of people. It was an education about wine we couldn't have experienced anywhere else. Our guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgable and brought great enthusiasm to the experience.

Fantastic tour of the Portugal wine country organized and conducted by the Catavino team. Echoing the comments of the previous reviews below, my wife and I experienced one memorable experience topped each day by the next memorable experience. A week of friendship, learning and interacting all in an environment that was stimulating and stress free. Kudos to Catavino for a wonderful and supremely well organized trip.

Our Fall Harvest trip through the Douro valley led by Ryan Opaz and organized by the talented team at Catavino was truly a once in a lifetime experience (well maybe twice)! This was an ongoing visual and sensory experience from start to finish with several “pinch yourself” moments along the way. Like most learning experiences I feel like I’ve retained a fraction of what I learned about the wines and cuisine or Portugal. I guess that’s a reason to do it again

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

The Catavino team is world class. A tour with them is guaranteed to be something that you won't forget.
They show you a true picture of what goes on, busting myths about the wine and port industry to show you the real side of Douro. Their level of knowledge is incredible, and we had access to wine tasting, grape stomping and meet the faces behind the wine industry. I can't even begin to describe the amazing lunch at the farm, overlooking the most spectacular views that only the Douro provides - breath taking!!
It is guaranteed to be filled with passion and love, leaving you with a yearning to come back time and time again.
Can't recommend this enough.

My husband and I had a wonderful day on a private tour with Ryan throughout the Douro Valley. He is extremely knowledgeable and helped us learn to appreciate Port. Beyond the wonderful private tasting sessions, he also brought us to a delicious lunch at a local Portuguese restaurant. Throughout the entire day, he provided us with tips and recommendations for the remainder of our journey throughout Portugal. The whole day was the highlight of our trip! We would HIGHLY recommend it!

Ana arranged a trip for my client through Portugal. My client is a single woman traveling alone and she had the time of her life! I felt very good about having her in Catavino's hands. Thank you for introducing her to Portugal in such a wonderful manner.

I can only second the comments written here. Catavino is highly professional and will stop at nothing to give you an incredible, unforgettable time. All the biggest highlights from my recent trip to Portugal and Spain were made possible by Catavino. I know how much work goes into it- thank you so much Ryan and team. I'd trust you with my holidays any time.

We were part of the 2016 Harvest Tour and had the experience of a lifetime! The Douro Valley is breathtakingly beautiful and our guides were wonderful. Ryan and Gabriella must have called in all of their personal favors because we met and drank wine with many winemakers, a wine shop owner and tasted '72 port which Oscar Quevedo's grandfather had made. Doesn't get any more special than that! Of course, gourmet food at every meal as well. We'll be back!!

When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & offered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.

No enough words, even for a wordsmith like me, to say how wonderful it was spending time with Gabriella and Ryan. Our tour with Ryan as our guide to the Douro Valley was spectacular. Excellent wines, wonderful views, terrific people and a delightful lunch topped off with a lovely boat ride. Highly recommended!!

powered by Facebook

Google Reviews

This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class.
Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine.
The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino!
We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired.
Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all!
Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.